Officials are gearing up for the 20th Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC 2026) set for Aug. 27 to Aug. 29 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, with “Vibrant Connections – Global Destinations,” the theme of the event.
ITE HCMC 2026 is organized under the direction of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. The Expo is jointly organized by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, with the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Center, C.I.S Vietnam Advertising & Exhibition Joint Stock Company, and relevant agencies and organizations directly involved in its implementation.
ITE HCMC 2026 is expected to bring together over 520 exhibitors and brands, 34 provinces and cities, 260 high-level international buyers from more than 40 countries and territories, approximately 600 international delegates, 50 high-level delegations, more than 21,000 pre-scheduled B2B appointments, around 30,000 visitors, and 60 international media outlets.
First held in 2005, ITE HCMC has evolved from a regional trade event into one of Vietnam’s leading platforms for international tourism trade promotion. Over the past 20 years, the Expo has brought together government agencies, localities, tourism businesses and international partners, contributing to the promotion of Vietnam’s image, strengthening inter-regional connectivity, expanding international cooperation and creating new momentum for tourism growth.
Beyond its expanding scale, ITE HCMC has generated tangible opportunities for collaboration, serving as a catalyst for new tourism linkages and products, cooperation agreements and investment opportunities, thereby contributing to the competitiveness of Vietnam’s tourism industry.
A notable milestone in the development of ITE HCMC 2026 is its strong implementation of the policy of mobilizing social resources and leveraging the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in event organization. In line with this direction, the Expo has strengthened engagement with and mobilized support from businesses, airlines, organizations and partners both domestically and internationally. These partnerships have provided additional resources for the organization of the Expo while enhancing the quality of B2B networking, international buyer hosting and professional programs.
The 20th-anniversary milestone also marks the most significant expansion in the Expo’s history. During its initial period from 2005 to 2010, ITE HCMC brought together approximately 210 exhibitors and brands, 120 international buyers from 18 countries and territories, and more than 3,200 B2B appointments. By 2026, the Expo is expected to welcome more than 520 exhibitors and brands, 260 international buyers from more than 40 countries and territories, and over 21,000 pre-scheduled B2B appointments.
Notably, the number of B2B appointments has increased by more than eightfold compared with the Expo’s early years, underscoring the growing appeal and effectiveness of ITE HCMC as a business networking platform for the domestic and international tourism community.
Go to https://itehcmc.travel/ for more.
